Longtime Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern stated Thursday his daughter Molly McGovern, “the soul of our family,” died unexpectedly whereas visiting a buddy in Italy.
The 23-year-old, who had been battling a uncommon type of most cancers, had simply accomplished a semester overseas in Australia, her father stated in an announcement.
“Molly radiated pure joy,” McGovern wrote in a tribute on X from the household — spouse Lisa McGovern and son Patrick McGovern.
“She lit up every room with her beaming smile — full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant,” he stated. “Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity — refusing to let her illness slow her down.”
Tributes and sympathy streamed in from fellow politicians, a few of whom had misplaced youngsters themselves.
“The world is a poorer place today than it was yesterday as we wake up to the hard reality of life without Molly McGovern, the beautiful and irrepressibly spirited daughter of our beloved friends Jim and Lisa McGovern,” acknowledged U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, whose son, Tommy, died in 2020 at age 25. “Everyone in our family adored Molly and we were all inspired by her love for animals, her passion for sports and her ebullient compassion and care for friends, family and strangers. We embrace the McGoverns and hold them tight during this hard, hard time.”
Molly McGovern had volunteered for Raskin previously and was finding out political science and authorities at Northeastern College in Boston, in accordance with Individuals. She was recognized on each side of the aisle by way of her father, who has served the 2nd Congressional since 1997.
“Molly was a light in her family’s lives and the lives of so many,” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey stated in an announcement. “We are all feeling the sadness of her being taken too soon.”
“The loss of a child, no matter the age, is one of the greatest heartbreaks imaginable,” Guidelines Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, a Republican representing North Carolina’s fifth District, stated in an announcement. “Ranking Member McGovern and his entire family remain in my thoughts and prayers. In this difficult time of loss, may they find continued comfort, peace, and strength from their faith and from those around them.”
